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Parade Rules & Regulations
1. Arrival
Arrival All entries must arrive for lineup at their assigned time between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Entries will be in tight windows in order to facilitate easy flow to avoid congestion.
2. All Entries
All entries must enter staging on Woodrow Street at Main Street (next to Front Porch Realty) and check in with a parade volunteer. Check-in will be located at the intersection of Woodrow Street and Faucette Street. Failure to check in may result in your group not being announced at the main stage.
3. No Drop-off Vehicles
Only vehicles participating in the parade program are permitted in the staging area. Drop-off vehicles will not be allowed to enter. Once in staging, vehicles may not exit except in the case of an emergency. Late arrivals must walk in from any barricade surrounding the staging area.
4. Participant Drop-Off
Participants may be dropped off at designated drop-off locations. Group leaders are responsible for escorting participants from the drop-off areas to their assigned staging locations.
5. Respect Parade Volunteers
Please respect the instructions and directions given by parade volunteers. Their role is to ensure the safety and organization of the staging area.
6. Road Closures
Please note: Main Street will close at 3:30 PM, and several other roads will close at 1:00 PM. Plan accordingly.
7. Group Leader Responsibilities
Check-In is located at intersection of Faucette Street and Woodrow Street. Each entry must designate a group leader to check in with parade coordinators. Group leaders are responsible for all vehicles, equipment, and individuals associated with their entry. All vehicles must be street-legal and in proper working order. Check In is locater intersection of faucet and Wood Road
8. Entry Content Restrictions
Entries must not display rude, vulgar, obscene, or questionable markings, signs, or music.
9. Santa Claus Policy
No entry may include individuals dressed as Santa Claus. The Official Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade Santa will be the only Santa Claus permitted.
10. No Live Animals
Live animals are not allowed in the parade.
11. Town Compliance
Entries must comply with all town rules and regulations, including height and weight restrictions for vehicles traveling through Downtown Fuquay-Varina. If you believe your entry may exceed limits, please contact WMFS at 919-552-4947, 984-289-6210, or 919-454-3487 for pre-approval.
12. Motorcycle Regulations
Motorcycles must comply with all North Carolina state laws, including the use of adequate helmets. Burnouts prohibited by FVPD
13. Float Weight Limitations
Pre-decorated floats have weight limitations and can accommodate up to 12 riders. Float drivers are authorized to request a reduction in the number of riders if necessary or to withdraw a float from the parade if weight limits are not respected.
14. Parade Movement
Once the parade starts, entries must keep moving at a steady pace to prevent large gaps. Participants should keep no more than two (2) car lengths between entries.
15. Motor Vehicle Conduct
Revving or racing of motors is strictly prohibited along the parade route and during lineup. Quick starts and stops are not allowed. Vehicles must travel single-file. Careless vehicle operation will result in removal from the parade and notification of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department.
16. Distribution of Items
Candy or other items may not be thrown from floats or vehicles. No one should be encouraged to come onto the parade route. Candy may only be handed directly to attendees, provided it is done safely and without slowing the parade’s pace.
17. No Political Messaging
Political signs or messaging of any kind are prohibited.
18. Music Guidelines
No offensive music is allowed. Kid-friendly music is strongly encouraged.
19. Participant Limits
Each parade entry is limited to no more than 20 participants (excluding dance groups and marching bands). Groups exceeding 25 participants must secure and pay for a second parade entry.
20. Parade Route
The parade will start at the intersection of Academy Street and S. Fuquay Avenue (near the Law Office of John Adcock) and end at the corner of Main Street and Woodrow Street (near Front Porch Realty).
21. Exit Procedures
All entries must re-enter the staging area at Woodrow Street and exit at Church Street and Ennis Street. No entries may exit along Faucette Street onto Ennis Street.
22. No Early Departure
Entries may not unload or exit the parade route before the conclusion of the parade..
25. Rain or Shine
The parade will take place rain or shine unless a state of emergency or municipal restriction prevents it.
24. Crosswalk Advisory
Participants should be aware of the raised crosswalk in front of Town Hall on Main Street. Barricades will be in place to guide parade flow around the crosswalk.
26. Cancellation Policy
In the event of a cancellation, the 2025 Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade will not be rescheduled.
27. No Refund Policy
Due to necessary non-refundable expenditures, no refunds will be provided to sponsors or parade entries, even in the event of cancellation.
